Khrabrovo

Khrabrovo International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but the grand gateway to Russia's westernmost and most European-spirited region. The renovated modern terminal, named in honour of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, immerses guests in the atmosphere of the "Amber Land" from the very first minutes, thanks to its thematic design and the aroma of Baltic coffee. The airport is ideally located: a drive of just half an hour separates you from both the cobblestone streets of the historic centre and the sandy dunes of the Curonian Spit.

The air harbour serves millions of tourists annually, offering world-class comfort. Spacious waiting lounges, intuitive navigation, and high capacity allow you to begin your journey without stress or bustle. Below is the essential information about this key regional facility.

Airport Features and Highlights

One of the main highlights of Khrabrovo is the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs without leaving the building. The terminal houses specialised shops featuring amber products — ranging from affordable jewellery to true works of art. You can also purchase the famous Baltic smoked eel here, packed in special vacuum packaging suitable for carriage in hand luggage.

The airport's infrastructure has been fully modernised: a comfortable business lounge, a mother and child room, and 24-hour cafes are available for passengers. An important advantage is the excellent transport accessibility: express buses and taxis run regularly right from the terminal exit, allowing you to quickly reach any point in the region.

If you have any questions regarding the operation of Khrabrovo Airport, you can use the following contact details to obtain the necessary information.

• Official Website: kgd.aero
• Inquiry Service Phone: +7 (4012) 610-610
• Address: 238315, Kaliningrad Region, Gurievsky Urban District, Khrabrovo Settlement, Airport
• Email for General Inquiries: info@kgd.aero
• Social Media: You can follow airport news in their official group on VKontakte.
• Lost & Found: For questions regarding lost luggage, please contact +7 (4012) 610-534.
• Passenger Support: For consultations and assistance, you may contact the airport's unified inquiry service.

There are several ways to get to Khrabrovo Airport, located approximately 20 kilometres north of the centre of Kaliningrad. The choice of the optimal option depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. When planning your trip, it is worth studying the available routes in advance so that your journey begins without unnecessary haste.

The most economical way to reach the airport is by using public transport. Regular bus route No. 244E connects the city centre with the air terminal. Buses depart from the South Bus Station (next to the South Railway Station) and proceed to the terminal with minimal stops. The trip takes on average 45-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is an excellent choice for light travellers looking to save money.

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the ideal solution. A car journey from the centre of Kaliningrad to Khrabrovo will take about 30-40 minutes. You can use the service via mobile apps popular in Russia or by ordering a car by phone. This option is particularly convenient if you are travelling with family, a large amount of luggage, or are flying early in the morning or late at night when public transport may be unavailable.

If you prefer independence in your movements, you can use a rented or personal car. The road to the airport runs along the modern "Primorskoye Ring" high-speed motorway, making the journey fast and convenient. Khrabrovo Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking where you can leave your car during your absence. Car rental also gives you the freedom to explore the picturesque surroundings of the Kaliningrad region before or after your flight.

Khrabrovo Airport in Kaliningrad is a modern and compact air terminal complex. Currently, all passenger flights — both domestic and international — are serviced in one single terminal. This significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to transfer between different buildings.

The structure of the terminal is intuitive and logical. It is divided into two main levels:

• Ground Floor — this is the arrival and check-in zone. Check-in counters, the baggage claim area, and the meeting point are located here. The entrance to the terminal is also on this level.
• First Floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone. After checking in on the ground floor, passengers proceed upstairs to undergo pre-flight security checks and, for international flights, passport control. Waiting lounges, boarding gates, and Duty Free shops are also located here.

Thanks to there being only one terminal with a well-thought-out layout, orienting yourself is very easy. Clear signs in Russian and English are installed everywhere. The time required for all formalities is generally short. Check-in and security checks take on average from 30 to 50 minutes, although queues are possible during the peak tourist season (especially in summer). It is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one.

The history of Khrabrovo Airport dates back to the 1930s when a Luftwaffe military airfield named "Powunden" was built on this site. After the end of the Second World War, in 1945, the airfield came under the management of Soviet civil aviation, marking the beginning of its new, peaceful chapter. From that moment, it became the main aviation hub for the country's westernmost region.

It received the status of a full-fledged civil airport in 1961, when the first regular passenger flights to Moscow, Leningrad, and other major cities of the USSR were launched from here. The 1970s became an important stage of development: in 1977, a new runway capable of accepting Tu-134 jet liners was built, and in 1979, the first passenger terminal opened its doors, serving for several decades.

The most massive transformation in the airport's history occurred in preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. A complete reconstruction was carried out: a new modern passenger terminal was built, significantly increasing capacity, and the runway was lengthened and reinforced. These changes allowed the airport of Kaliningrad to accept long-haul aircraft and meet high international standards.

In 2018, as a result of the nationwide "Great Names of Russia" project, Khrabrovo Airport was officially named after Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. This choice was made in memory of the period of the Seven Years' War when Russian troops entered Königsberg. Today, the Elizabeth Petrovna Airport is a modern aviation complex that continues to develop, ensuring a reliable connection between the region and the rest of the world.

Khrabrovo Airport offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a quick snack or a full meal. For shopping enthusiasts, there are shops including a classic Duty Free with perfumes, beverages, and sweets, as well as souvenir stalls where you can purchase famous amber products and other memorable gifts.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a calmer atmosphere, business lounges and a VIP terminal are available at the airport. They offer an elevated level of comfort, including snacks, drinks, fresh press, and comfortable relaxation zones. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices are installed in the waiting halls to ensure you always stay connected.

Financial matters can be easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of feeling unwell, a medical point operates 24/7 in the terminal building, where qualified personnel are ready to provide first aid.

A Mother and Child Room is equipped for passengers with children. This is a cosy space where you can feed and change your baby, and rest in a quiet environment before the flight. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with comprehensive support, including escort across the airport territory and assistance with boarding. To receive this service, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance.

If you need to hold a business meeting, the airport has conference halls equipped with everything necessary. For travellers who need to rest between flights or before an early departure, several hotels offering comfortable accommodation are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

At Khrabrovo (KGD) Airport, passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal both in the public area and after passing security control. The selection of establishments caters to different tastes and budgets, ranging from a quick coffee with pastries to a leisurely lunch while waiting for a flight.

In the public zone (before passport control and security), several cafes are usually located. Here you can sit quietly with those seeing you off. Typically, the menu features popular dishes of European and Russian cuisine: sandwiches, salads, soups, hot dishes, and, of course, desserts. This is an excellent place to have a cup of coffee or try local sweets, for example, the famous Kaliningrad marzipan, which is often sold in the coffee shops here.

After passing control, in the secure departure zone, the choice of establishments is also quite broad. Bars, coffee shops, and small restaurants operate here. For those in a hurry, outlets with ready-made food are ideal, where you can quickly grab a sandwich, yoghurt, or pastry. If there is time before departure, you can settle in one of the restaurants serving more substantial meals. Some establishments focus on local specialities — this is your last chance to try dishes made from Baltic fish before flying out.

Regarding specialised dietary requirements, finding dedicated Halal or vegan restaurants within the airport may be challenging. However, most cafes feature vegetarian dishes on their menus, such as vegetable salads, side dishes, or soups. Passengers with specific dietary needs are advised to review ingredients carefully or choose naturally suitable products like fruits or yoghurts. The price range at the airport is traditionally higher than in the city, but both budget-friendly and more expensive options can be found. Most establishments operate around the clock or adapt to the flight schedule, opening with the first departures and closing after the last ones.

To ensure your journey through Khrabrovo Airport is as comfortable as possible, make use of our tips. Planning in advance will help avoid unnecessary stress and make the start or end of your trip to Kaliningrad pleasant.

Arrival Time and Check-in: We recommend arriving at the airport 2–2.5 hours before a domestic flight, especially during the peak tourist season (summer). To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website — this will allow you to proceed directly to baggage drop or security if you are flying with hand luggage only.

Security and Seat Selection: The security procedure at Khrabrovo is standard. Remember the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage (in containers up to 100 ml, with a total volume of no more than 1 litre per passenger). When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats offer beautiful views of the Baltic Sea coast or the city itself during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats are more convenient if you plan to get up during the flight.

Control Specifics: An important nuance when flying to Kaliningrad from other regions of Russia is the necessity of passing a control similar to border control. Despite the flight being domestic, you will need to present your passport. This is a standard procedure related to the geographical location of the region. Also, be attentive to customs regulations, especially if you plan to export amber or other goods in large quantities.

Economy and Flight Delays: To save money on the journey to or from the city, use the express bus No. 244-E, which runs between the airport and the Kaliningrad bus station. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for information regarding meals and accommodation (in accordance with federal aviation regulations). Information boards in the departure hall will help you track the status of your flight.